Did you have a ridiculous job as a teen? Were you paid $1.25 up to (wow) $1.85/hr (they had nerve to tax it too)? Even as adults with much of our work life, striving, gains and losses, successes and challenges filling the years behind us, there remains a fondness for sharing those memories.

Studies find that teens exposed to customer service during formative years have greater potential for success in adulthood. I doubt posting on line or playing games will have any benefits. The fruits of real labor are evident throughout life and in many circumstances. Think about experiences and how they have led you to make better decisions.

Even in healthcare, I have often witnessed a significant difference between how patients tolerate therapy when they are engaged. Years ago I treated a father and son – a few years apart. The father in his young 80’s worked the entire time through therapy. The son, financially successful, chose to stay home. The exact diagnosis, but age 50. The son said, “How did my father do this? It’s tough!” The difference was obvious and I never forgot it: the father went into the office everyday which helped him overcome his symptoms and ignore troubling nuances of the effects.

Engaging with patients, I have always kept this in mind. I discourage making any disease our life’s focus. Sure, sometimes it is just impossible to sit in a chemo chair for three days or show up for radiation daily without having an understanding boss. Even your golf, tennis or card friends will have to work around you for a time.

This Labor Day holiday is a good opportunity to respect the benefits of activity. Medical care is selfish and is notorious for wasting your time if you do not speak up. It is hard for patients to know what is and isn’t important- everything seems to be with cancer. Here I am giving you permission to put yourself first.

You are never, ever prepared to welcome cancer into your life. It shows up uninvited and brings chaos. Every bit of work that you do, caring for family members, volunteering, supporting yourself and others, has substantial benefits. While we deliver widely touted immunotherapy to treat cancer, remember that your immune system is impacted by your physical and mental health. Don’t give cancer and its treatment any more homage than is necessary.

Maybe as kids we had no power and gladly accepted the few dollars a week for those jobs. I believe teens need those experiences. But you have lived a big life and should be empowered to make decisions right for yourselves and your families. It’s not just about finding the best care, its exploring treatment right for you… right now. Harvey has a small lung cancer. We can treat him simply in 5 doses if he chooses. Another center offered 30 treatments. He came to us. “Doc my grandson is on drugs. My son has custody of three grand kids and one is a toddler. He works. (not the toddler) He can’t be babysitting me too”. We were able to get Harvey transport and finish in a week- no problem. He does a lot of the care giving so keeping him well is a goal.

I vividly recall after 16 hours of labor in the time of natural childbirth, holding the nurse-nun’s hand and fearfully saying, “Does it get worse?” She quickly avoided putting my mind at ease. “Oh yes. That’s why it is call labor!” Sometimes labor is just hard worked cranked out in a long day. Sometimes it is exactly what the doctor ordered and the outcome is of great benefit and maybe even….. just wonderful.